Introduction

Hi, my name is Elijah Reed, and I am a Hip-Hop head. I've been fascinated with the genre for as along as i can remember. I grew up in a household where a lot of old school soul/R&B, and Hip-Hop was played. I fell in love with all three, but found the latter captivating in a way I had never experienced. Rap embodied outspokenness, intelligence, self expression, and social activism. The four elements of Hip-Hop are rapping, graffiti, deejaying, and b-boying/break-dancing. Out of the four, MCs have always grabbed my attention the most.

 The way that rappers like Tupac, Rakim, Nas, and Kanye West were able bring the words they wrote to life. Hip-Hop music has grown into an art form with many different kinds of artists. Art evolves over time, for better or worse, but one thing that has stayed at forefront of Hip-Hop has been lyricists with deep content matter, and outspokenness on social issues. Rappers that "actually talk about something" as my mother would put it, grabbed my attention during my childhood and early adulthood. It's precisely these "nerdy rappers" that I plan to talk about. I am a huge fan of the art form and culture, and take them very seriously, which is why I feel I am the right person. I think I can talk about Hip-Hop, the rappers, and the impact of the culture it's created in a intelligent, unique way. My intended audience is Hip-Hop fans, young and old, and I believe I can connect with both.